About Us

Virginia Ready is a nonprofit organization committed to convening credential based learning opportunities to upskill Virginians for economic mobility.

Virginia Ready’s goal is to reward Virginians who seize the moment and commit themselves to training for in demand jobs. We’ve partnered with businesses across Virginia, Virginia’s Community Colleges and the FastForward Workforce Credential Program as well as Sentara College of Health Sciences and Grow with Google to equip Virginians with the skills needed for sustainable jobs in high-growth sectors.

Skills Development

Through partnerships with educational institutions and industry experts, scholars gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

Professional Growth

Through workshops, mentorship programs, and resources for self-improvement, scholars gain the confidence, resilience, and professional mindset needed to thrive in their careers and adapt to evolving workplace dynamics.

Career Support

From career counseling to job search resources and networking opportunities, scholars receive the guidance and tools needed to advance in their careers and seize new opportunities for growth.

Our History

Virginia Ready, established in June of 2020, is a nonprofit organization initially formed in response to the economic hardships created by COVID-19. As the workforce and job market continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to have access to opportunities for upskilling and career development, particularly for those not interested in pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree.

Since inception, Virginia Ready has demonstrated its ability to provide value to Virginians looking for sustainable careers and provides ongoing support to individuals, businesses, and communities. Those accepted in our program take courses with our talent development partners, gain career readiness training and resources from our team, and are connected to our skills based employer network that offer careers with family sustaining wages. Scholars who complete our program also receive a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award.

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Currently Enrolled

Scholars are currently enrolled in one of our supported programs across the state preparing to join the workforce or advance in their career.

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Credentials Earned

Virginia Ready has invested $5.5 million dollars in Virginians through support of our business partners by awarding the $1,000 Credential Achievement Award upon our program completion.

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Employed

Too often job seekers are left behind after training. Through employer engagement, Virginia Ready creates more opportunity for scholars to find family sustaining employment.

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Skills First Allies

Between our employer network and education partners, Virginia Ready has gained 37 “Skills First” partners who are leading positive change for the workforce of today and the future.

Our Mission

To enable Virginians to acquire the skills and resources they need to succeed in a competitive job market, while uplifting the value of credential-based scholars.

Our Team

Our team at Virginia Ready is comprised of passionate professionals dedicated to empowering individuals in their career journeys. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to supporting our scholars, we are here to guide, inspire, and provide the resources needed for their success.

Natalie

Foster

Executive Director

Carol

Jensen

Director of Finance and Operations

Taylor

Beck

Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives

Jacquee

Scott

Education Partner Lead

Heather

Kelly

Scholar Experience Coordinator

Catherine

Morvis

Executive Assistant and Operations Coordinator

Our Board

Our Board at Virginia Ready consists of esteemed leaders who bring their expertise and strategic vision to drive our mission forward. Committed to the success of Virginia Ready Scholars, they provide guidance, make informed decisions, and ensure our organization’s initiatives align with our goal of fostering economic mobility and career advancement.

Thomas J.

McInerney

Board Chairman, President, CEO Genworth Financial, Inc.

Cynthia

Lawrence

Director, Office of Workforce Development Carilion Clinic

Loretta A.

Penn

PECC, LLC

Becky

Sawyer

Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer Sentara Healthcare

Maria P.

Tamburri

VP Intergovernmental Affairs Dominion Energy

Glenn

Ballard

President & CEO, Dragonfli Group LLC

Work With Us

Join our mission to empower individuals and shape the future of workforce development in Virginia. At Virginia Ready, we welcome partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations that share our commitment to creating economic opportunities and fostering career growth. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and contribute to a thriving and inclusive job market.

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Latest Updates & News

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates and insightful blogs from Virginia Ready, empowering you with valuable industry insights, success stories, and resources to fuel your professional growth.

Financial & Governance Reports

At Virginia Ready, we believe in transparency and accountability. Explore our financial and governance reports to gain insights into our operations, financial performance, and governance practices, ensuring that your trust in us is well-placed as we work towards our mission of empowering individuals for career success.

Fiscal Year 2023 Audited Financial Statements

Succeed in your Career. Become a Scholar.

Take the first step towards success in your career by becoming a Virginia Ready Scholar and gain access to valuable resources, training, and support to achieve your professional goals.